Alternative Energy: HIJINKS liquid caffeine

Coming off the high (or should I say low) that was National Relaxation Day, I have discovered the yen for something that restores, or spikes, my energy a bit. In general, I remain skeptical of energy drinks and the like, but in a pinch, can greatly appreciate their intended purpose – to get you off the floor and compel you to rejoin the human race. So for those averse to coffee, regular exercise, and a healthy sleep regimen, there is a riot of energy drinks out there calling for the tired, fatigued, huddled masses yearning to be perpetually awake.

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Less a drink and more of a spike, HIJINKS: The Energy Drink mixer has an immediately illicit feel to it. Distributed in little fluid ounce bottles, this clear liquid looks distinctly like contraband, but in actuality it is the building block of your own energy drink. The idea behind HIJINKS (the name alone does not instill much consumer confidence) is that you can add this energy rich elixir to just about any liquid and instantly turn it into a powerful energy drink. With 200 mg of caffeine, and a blend of taurine (a common, and relatively benign, ingredient in energy drinks), L-carnitine (an amino acid), and a few other energy-friendly additives, you can control how much liquid energy and where it goes. This would naturally appeal to those who have grown tired of gimmicky energy drinks laden with sugar and artificial colors and flavors.

As far as the flavor goes, HIJINKS is billed as flavorless, which is not entirely the case. It has a syrupy, almost honeyed smell, and a slightly bitter cough syrup taste when consumed straight out of the bottle. However, when mixed with a more dominant liquid (e.g. fruit juice, etc) the flavor of HIJINKS is diminished, if not totally unnoticeable. And yes, HIJINKS lives up to its claims as a sort of liquid energy in a bottle. Not quite as volatile as a triple cappuccino with whip cream, HIJINKS does supply the sort of kick that inspires you to polish the silverware.

HIJINKS: The Energy Drink is available in single bottles (1.1-ounce for $2.99) and is sold at fitness stores, natural foods stores, and online.